Two-time Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova out for at least three months after knife attack

Doctors are optimistic Petra Kvitova will be able to play tennis again after the two-time Wimbledon champion underwent surgery on the hand injury she suffered during a knife attack at her home.

The 26-year-old said she was 'fortunate to be alive' after defending herself during a robbery in her apartment in Prostejove, Czech Republic.

The intruder posed as a utilities man seeking to read a meter to gain access to the apartment, it is understood, before a struggle ensued. It is understood the knife was put to Kvitova's throat and her left hand was injured as she pulled the weapon away.

Kvitova underwent a successful near four-hour operation on what is her racket-holding hand on Tuesday evening.

The Czech player will be out of action for at least three months, but her PR manager told Press Association Sport: "Doctors are optimistic she will be able to play tennis again."

Kvitova's PR manager continued: "Petra had surgery for three hours, 45 minutes. Considering the damage to her left hand, it was a success.

"She had tendon damage to all five digits on her left hand, and nerve damage to two of them.

"She's been told she will have to have her hand in a splint for six to eight weeks, and will be unable to bear any load for three months."

More information on how long Kvitova is likely to be out for is expected on Wednesday, but she is now certain to miss January's Australian Open as well as a host of other tournaments.

The year's second grand slam, the French Open, begins in late May while Wimbledon takes place in July.